Hydro One Sudbury Barrie Transmission Line Project

Hydro One is developing and constructing a new priority transmission line between Sudbury and the Barrie area at the direction of the Province. The Ontario government projects energy demand in the north to increase 81% by 2050 and declared the addition of this line to be a priority project in early 2026. The project aims to add a single-circuit 500-kilovolt transmission line running 290 kilometers from Barrie to Sudbury, targeting 2032 for service to begin.

The potential area for the actual development and construction of the line is large, but one of the potential corridors passes through the Archipelago and the areas surrounding Crane Lake. Because of this, it is critical to stay informed and active as we learn more about the project. We will use this space to provide updates and resources as they become available.

July 10 2026 Update
Hydro One Announces Open Houses & Roundtables

Hydro One contacted FOCA, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, for assistance in contacting the Cottage Associations who are in the potential regions of the project. As a Member of FOCA, the Crane Lake Association received the communication below from Hydro One on July 10, 2026 as well as an invitation for representatives from the Association to participate in a Roundtable discussion at a date to be determined. The CLA has confirmed interest and will send representatives once more information is available:

Sudbury Barrie Transmission Line Project

Dear FOCA Members,
We are reaching out to invite cottagers’ association members to participate in an upcoming roundtable discussion on the Sudbury Barrie Transmission Line Project.

Ontario’s demand for electricity is increasing, and to help meet this need, Hydro One is advancing the Sudbury Barrie Transmission Line. This critical infrastructure will support new generation opportunities in northern Ontario, improve system reliability, foster economic growth and investment, and help ensure a dependable power supply for the future.

Hydro One has initiated a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed single-circuit, 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line spanning approximately 300 kilometres from Hanmer Transformer Station in Sudbury to Essa Transformer Station near Barrie. The project also includes associated station expansions and is currently planned to be in service by 2032. In addition, the Ontario government has directed Hydro One to complete development work for a second line, with timing to be determined by the Independent Electricity System Operator.

Please visit HydroOne.com/SBTL for more information and a map of the focused study area.

Community Open Houses
We will also be hosting Community Open Houses this summer to ensure we are reaching seasonal residents that may have missed our first round of open houses in April.

Join us for a drop-in open house and BBQ to learn more about the Sudbury Barrie Transmission Line Project. Stop by, have a bite, and connect with us!

We’ll be in the following locations over the summer:

French River
Tuesday July 28, 2026
3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Alban Community Centre
796 Highway 64, Alban, ON

Georgian Bay
Thursday July 30, 2026
3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Baxter Ward Community Centre
25 Community Centre Dr., Port Severn, ON

Muskoka Lakes
Saturday August 1, 2026
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Bala Community Centre
1008 Maple Ave., Bala, ON

Midhurst
Tuesday August 4, 2026
3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Midhurst United Church
91 Doran Rd, Midhurst, ON

Parry Sound
Thursday August 6, 2026
3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Waubamik Community Hall
6 Hurdville Rd, McDougall, ON

Severn
Saturday August 8, 2026
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Coldwater United Church
14 Harriet St., Coldwater, ON

Sudbury
Tuesday August 11, 2026
3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Falconbridge Community Centre
63 Edison Rd, Falconbridge, ON

Seguin
Thursday August 13, 2026
3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Foley Community Centre
60 Rankin Lake Rd., Foley, ON

We look forward to connecting with you!
Hydro One Community Relations
community.relations@hydroone.com